How to handle this interview

[wyckdwench]

ok~ I do have an issue you could help me with...

I got a call from an local legal firm. They had hired me about a few years ago before I had children. I think I worked there about a month. At the end of the time the personnel manager called me into the office and said they were letting me go. When I asked her why she stated that 'they thought I was someone else'. Yes thats really what she said. Its been over 10 years ago and since the time was so short they aren't listed on my resume.

My question is how should I handle the interview? My skills have expanded since then and I am not desperate for the position. If I get it - it would be great - if not- its their loss not mine. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[SweetErika]

I'm not sure I understand. Are you asking how you should tell them you've already worked and were fired from there? Or if you should tell them at all?

 

[LadyJeanne]

Be honest and tell them about your history there. They probably have you somewhere in their records as a former employee, so if they ended up hiring you and found those records, you'd look like a weasel for not bringing it up.

Good luck!

 

[wyckdwench]

I'm not sure I understand. Are you asking how you should tell them you've already worked and were fired from there? Or if you should tell them at all?

A) If I should tell them at all since it has been so long ~ if they don't bring it up.

B) Attitude wise ~ adivice, don't want to be to self-assured but I am not desperate so I think some where in the middle is best.

 

[LadyJeanne]

A) If I should tell them at all since it has been so long ~ if they don't bring it up.

B) Attitude wise ~ adivice, don't want to be to self-assured but I am not desperate so I think some where in the middle is best.

There's nothing wrong with being confident and self-assured during your interview. You know your skills and your worth in the marketplace. As long as you don't come off as a know-it-all who can't take direction, employers like a confident, positive attitude.

 

[jerseyman1963]

As an employer, I would advise finding a way to bring it up that you worked there once, but for a very short time, and a long time ago.

It sounds like they were pretty dysfunctional back then. "We thought you were someone else" is not only just plain strange, it's also not a valid reason to let someone go. And these are lawyers? Hmm. At the very least they could have made up a better excuse than that.

But you do have to tell them, because if they figure it out on their own, they're going to think it's strange you didn't mention it, and it was strange it wasn't on your resume, and they'll start wondering what else you didn't tell them, and nobody likes strange in a new employee.

I'd do it as soon as you sit down. "I'm not sure you're aware of this, but I worked here for a month about 10 years ago." They'll look surprised, and ask what happened, and you can tell them the story. The story explains why it wasn't on your resume, and chances are that you mention it, and the current hiring person says, "Oh god, what a mess this place was then," and it's behind you.

But I think the question for you is, having had this experience with them way back when, is to try to figure out in the interview process if they're still messed up, because if they are, and if you're not desperate for this job, do YOU really want to work for them?

 

[M's girl]

Very well said jerseyman; my thoughts exactly!

If you still decide to take your chance with them I would want to remind them, just to make sure they don't pull thát one on you again....

 

[swany55]

ok~ I do have an issue you could help me with...

I got a call from an local legal firm. They had hired me about a few years ago before I had children. I think I worked there about a month. At the end of the time the personnel manager called me into the office and said they were letting me go. When I asked her why she stated that 'they thought I was someone else'. Yes thats really what she said. Its been over 10 years ago and since the time was so short they aren't listed on my resume.

My question is how should I handle the interview? My skills have expanded since then and I am not desperate for the position. If I get it - it would be great - if not- its their loss not mine. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I wold be very leery of a firm that let you go "because they thought you were somebody else. What does it say about them?

 

[wyckdwench]

I wold be very leery of a firm that let you go "because they thought you were somebody else. What does it say about them?

I don't think it was the law firm in particular so much as this one individual. I didn't have as much experience as I do now or I would have reacted differently. This time it was one of the actual attorneys that called.

 

[wyckdwench]

The interview

I went to the interview and there were four attorneys present. I am certain I presented myself well. They asked about salary and I said I would expect more then $9 an hour since my husband makes that driving a sweeper truck. After all I do have experience and an education I dont think its too much to expect.

The subject of working there prior never came up. It appears that the place has undergone a restructuring in the last few years not to mention in the last few months. So I guess I will just wait and see. They said they had several resumes to consider and would be making a descision in the next two weeks.

 

[shysteve]

Well, you've been to the interview now, so I shan't offer any advice, but it reminds me of what happened to my daughter the other day. Her employer "let her go" because, he said, she was too good for the job. Sounds as if some employers don't like firing people with giving a reason and think that any will do.

Anyhow, I hope your interview went well and that you got the job (or not if you decided you don't want it after all!)